Which measurements do you need to choose a boat cradle?
To suggest the right cradle, we first need to know your boat. A few measurements taken on land with a tape measure are enough to request a precise quote and avoid back and forth. Here is what to measure, and why.
1. Overall hull length
Measure the overall length, from bow to stern. Cradle B adjustable cradles are designed for pleasure boats from 6 to 11 m. Beyond that, or for a commercial vessel, a specific study is needed: describe your case to us.
2. Beam at ground level
This is the width of the whole assembly resting on the ground. It determines the footprint of the boat on its cradle and the space you need to plan for it. Our range is designed for a maximum beam of 3 m.
3. Support points: width and height
These are the places on the hull where the cradle rests. Measure the distance between the supports (support width) and the height at which they sit above the ground (support height). This is the measurement that decides which cradle model you need:
| Model | Support height |
|---|---|
| X | 0.85 to 1.25 m (2.79 to 4.10 ft) |
| P | 1.05 to 1.50 m (3.44 to 4.92 ft) |
| M | 1.25 to 1.80 m (4.10 to 5.90 ft) |
| G | 1.50 to 2.10 m (4.92 to 6.89 ft) |
These measurements are indicative and can be adapted to your boat.
All four models are adjusted with numbered notches and quick clips, and share the same accessories: a head support that rotates through 360 degrees, HDPE or rubber pads, workshop versions.
4. Boat weight
Give the weight stated by the builder, or the one on the boat's papers if you have it. Please do not estimate it by eye: it plays a part in choosing the configuration, which we check with you before any order.
5. Hull type and keel
Tell us whether your boat is a motor or sailing boat, and whether it has a keel or a centreboard. The way the hull is supported is not the same, and we take it into account when suggesting the right supports.
6. Make and model of the boat
If you know them, add them to your quote request. For boats whose dimensions we have already recorded, the form can suggest values we already know, which you should check on your own boat.
How to take these measurements without mistakes
- Take them with the boat on land, ideally on its trailer or its previous cradle, with a tape measure of several metres.
- Write everything down in centimetres, with the unit, and repeat each measurement a second time.
- Take one or two photos of the hull from the side and from the front: they help confirm the choice.
What happens next?
With these six pieces of information, the online quote request suggests a cradle configuration suited to your boat. Still unsure about a measurement? Describe your boat to us, and we will reply with the possible options.
Request a quote